Amstrad was founded in 1968 by Alan Sugar and initially produced low-cost consumer electronics and hi-fi equipment. It became a major supplier of set-top boxes to UK satellite TV provider Sky after Sky's 1989 launch. By the late 1980s, Amstrad had a substantial share of the UK PC market. In 2007, BSkyB acquired Amstrad, and Alan Sugar stepped down as chairman in 2008. Amstrad now focuses on manufacturing set-top boxes for Sky but also previously produced home computers, word processors, and notepads.

1. AMSTRAD By Neil Scott & Steven Cooper

2. Background 1960s and 1970s Amstrad was founded in 1968 by Alan Sugar. Amstrad entered the market in the field of consumer electronics. During the 1970s they were at the forefront of low-priced hi-fi, TV and car stereo cassette technologies. Lower prices were achieved by injection moulding plastic hi-fi turntable covers, undercutting competitors who used the vacuum forming process. Amstrad expanded to the marketing of low cost, low quality audio amplifiers and tuners, imported from the far east and badged with the Amstrad name for the UK market. 1990s Amstrad has been a major supplier of set top boxesto UK satellite TV provider Sky since its launch in 1989. Amstrad was key to the introduction of Sky, as it was the only manufacturer producing receiver boxes and dishes at the system's launch, and has continued to manufacture set top boxes for Sky, from analogue to digital and now including Sky's Sky+ digital video recorder. In 30th of June 2008, Lord Alan Sugar stepped down as chairman and CEO of Amstrad in a planned move following the companies acquisition by BSkyB in September 2007. Alun Webber took over the day to day running of the company

3. Purpose of Amstrad The British electronics company Amstrads main purpose in business is manufacturing Sky Digital boxes. Amstrad also specialises in Home Computers, Word Processors and Notepad Computers. The company first flourished under founder Alan Sugar and his technical knowledge, but since then it has been wholly bought by BSkyB. During the late 1980s Amstrad had a substantial share of the PC market in the UK, showing how successful the company has been through the production and selling of electronic goods.

4. MANAGEMENT Alun Webber – Managing Director Alun Webber was appointed Managing Director of Amstrad plc on 2 January 2008. This role is in addition to his position as Group Director of Strategic Project Delivery at Sky. This role is in addition to his position as Group Director of Strategic Project Delivery at Sky. This was followed in July 2006 with his appointment as Group Director of Strategic Project Delivery, with responsibility for the delivery of major cross-functional programmes within Sky. John Beattie – Production Director John Beattie is the Company’s Production Director. He is responsible for managing the Company’s production and after-sales support activities. He joined Amstrad in 1979 and was appointed to the Board on 1 December 2003. During his time at Amstrad he has held a variety of production and quality-related roles.

5. Size & EMPLOYEES As Amstrad grew, flexibility suffered as Sugar struggled to maintain direct control of his company. In 1988, he spent much of the year establishing further subsidiaries in Italy, West Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The company work force doubled to 1,600 people. Sugar reacted to this expansion by delegating more and more responsibility to his lieutenants in the field, while previously he had been able to bark orders across his headquarters' open-plan offices, so near was his senior management team. The size of Amstrad has grew along with the expansion of the company since being founded in 1968. Amstrad will undoubtedly continue to grow in the future as it begins to manufacture more products therefore having a wider range of market.

6. Marketng Neil you’re doing this!